StampSelector is an online philatelic investment and stamp market resource, providing practical information for stamp collectors, stamp dealers, and investors. This includes stamp investment tips, general commentary on the stamp market, and practical advice regarding building a stamp collection and profiting from philately.

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Sunday, June 1, 2014

From 1948 to 1958, South Korea issued presentation sheets featuring
the designs of its regular postage stamps. These ungummed, often crudely
produced sheets were issued in very low quantities and given to
dignitaries, including friends of the President,
as the country was not completely devoid of cronyism. The Michel
catalog lists these sheets, but Scott does not, although it mentions
them. They frequently sell at auction for between 10% and 20% of Michel,
and I consider them grossly undervalued due to the uncertainty about
their legitimacy. They were issued during a period of war and the gradual recovery from it, when the country was very poor, and they are as scarce as hen's teeth.

In 1955, South Korea issued a set of two presentation sheets
celebrating the nation's 10th Anniversary of Independence (Michel Block 85-86,
Scott 219Note). 1,000 sets were issued, and Michel prices the set at at 900.-
Euros (about $ 1,220.-). I recommend purchase of the set if it offered
at around $120.- to $240.- (about 10%-20% of Michel CV).

A nation of about 50 million people, South Korea is one of the fastest
growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th
largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic
growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost
nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has
averaged about 4% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009
due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the
most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to
more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this
could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost
certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer may wish to check out the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List,
which currently contains over 9,700 entries. Researching quantities
issued data is vital to determining in which stamps to invest.